Everything on this list has been replaced by newer, and more expensive versions. The EF 24 f/2.8 IS, EF 28 f/2.8 IS and EF 24-70 f/2.8L II have not begun shipping yet, and we’re hearing July 2012 at the earliest. The Speedlite 600EX-RT has begun shipping in pretty good quantities.

I am a little surprised at the 24mm & 28mm. The new ones have IS and really are different lenses not to mention radically different prices. The new ones are also not available and even when they are may take some time to reach full stock levels. I would have liked to see the 580 go a little longer as well since the new one is so expensive.

The speedlite 580EX II is a great performer... Should be an alternative to 600 EX series in terms of price though

Was the 580ex2 as expensive when it was released? Even given the radio tech improvement, I think Canon's current high-price policy is a shame because there's nothing in between the 200€ 430ex2 and 600€ 600rt.

I expect the 430EX II will be on the chopping block shortly after the 440EX-RT is released. (rumored this fall)

Of course. It actually surprises me that they didn't release the 440rt and 600rt at the same time to offer a full master-slave system (Thanks, Canon!). But maybe they want well-off photogs in a hurry to only get 600rt and this is the reason why they didn't release a radio-addon for older flashes yet.

I expect the 430EX II will be on the chopping block shortly after the 440EX-RT is released. (rumored this fall)

Of course. It actually surprises me that they didn't release the 440rt and 600rt at the same time to offer a full master-slave system (Thanks, Canon!). But maybe they want well-off photogs in a hurry to only get 600rt and this is the reason why they didn't release a radio-addon for older flashes yet.

Tell me about it, I'm anxious to play with the radio control but can't. Got a 600EX-RT and have a ST-E3-RT on order.

DB

The speedlite 580EX II is a great performer... Should be an alternative to 600 EX series in terms of price though

Shouldnt have been discontinued imho

+1 Couldn't agree more. The 580EXII costs a lot less than the new 600EX, so from a pure pricing strategy perspective I cannot see why they're discontinuing it. Anyone shooting with an APS-C body who wishes to use HSS will automatically opt for a new/used 580EX.

Perhaps this is Canon Inc.'s attempt to maintain residual prices, that way they can charge more for new products. A bit like the Mercedes-Benz approach: a dealer can lose their franchise if they do not offer high trade-in values on buyers who are trading their old Merc in for a new one, thus keeping all values high (both used & new).